Big families should buy a car with careful consideration if they don’t want to be trapped in an uncomfortable or sluggish vehicle. On the other hand, fancy family cars cost a considerable amount of money, so the balance between price and comfort is quite difficult to find. Let’s try to find it together.
With the extinction of large family sedans, the only options for more than 5 people include midsize and full-size SUVs, vans/minivans, and some exclusive old-school station wagons.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe © Hyundai Motor Company
SUVs
SUVs are in high demand, and there is a plenty of choice of SUVs with 3rd-row seating. The Most Affordable SUVs with 3rd-Row Seating, Best SUVs with 6-Cylinder Engine and 3rd-Row Seating, Best Luxury SUVs with 3rd-Row Seating – choose the one you want.
We personally prefer the Cadillac Escalade and the Land Rover Range Rover. They are both very comfortable, powerful, good on any terrain, and yet very responsive. If that’s too expensive for you, check some more affordable Koreans like the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. They are less luxurious and spacious, but still provide a high level of comfort.
2016 Honda Odyssey © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Vans / Minivans
We hope that the new Chrysler Pacifica will be a lulu but if not, you always have the Honda Odyssey, one of the safest and most comfortable vehicles in the US. Its price is comparable with the Kia Sorento and other affordable SUVs with 3rd-row seating. You can check the list of all minivans in the US in the post Minivans with Best Gas Mileage.
2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S Wagon © Daimler AG
Station Wagons
If you’re over 30, you may remember family-friendly station wagons with rear-facing 3rd-row seating for children. Nowadays, this type of body style is very rare, nearly extinct, just like 6-passenger sedans. However, there is one exception (even two). It is called Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon featuring Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC Wagon and more powerful Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S Wagon. They are expensive, powerful, technologically advanced, and still have the rear-facing 3rd-row seating. Children will be delighted, as well as the driver (we talk about 3.5L gasoline V6 and handcrafted 5.5L AMG Biturbo V8 here).
We hope this article will help you choose the most suitable and safe vehicle for your family. Good luck!
